After the Chiefs scored a run, two pieces of corn emerged from the outfield gate and danced during a game against the LumberKings on Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, at O'Brien Field. (JAMES BROSHER/JOURNAL STAR FILE PHOTO)

The Peoria Chiefs boast one of the corniest — and weirdest — rituals in all of minor-league baseball.

Whenever the team scores, two human-size ears of corn dance in the outfield. Makes no sense? Like many good stories, this recent tradition blends hard fact with a little baloney.

The corn first arrived in 2010, which — coincidence? — also marked the first season of the Normal CornBelters, who play in the independent Pioneer League. The Chiefs claim their dancing duo are named — coincidence? — “Norm and Al, our two corny friends from Normal.”

According to the Chiefs, “They were so excited the first time they saw the Chiefs score a run they started to dance. Their wacky dance moves, to the tune of “We Like to Party” by the Venga Boys, caught on and they danced down a ramp, through the gates and right onto the center-field grass! The crowd went nuts, cheering them on, so Norm and Al continued to dance every time the Chiefs scored a run.”

Usually, the corn couple simply bursts from behind the center-field wall after a run. However, they sometimes dance with props, including a limbo stick. Between innings, they occasionally can be seen shimmying to “Y.M.C.A.” and dancing atop dugouts.